Stellantis Recalls 1.5M Trucks Over Brake Software Glitch
Stellantis, Chrysler's parent company, has announced a recall of approximately 1.46 million vehicles worldwide due to a software malfunction in the anti-lock brake system that could increase the risk of crashes. The recall, initiated on Saturday, primarily affects Ram 1500 pickup trucks from the 2019 and 2021-2024 model years, with nearly 1.23 million of these vehicles in the United States alone. Additionally, about 159,000 vehicles in Canada, 13,000 in Mexico, and 61,000 outside North America are included in the recall.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a software malfunction in the anti-lock brake system control module may disable the electronic stability control (ESC) system, which helps drivers maintain control of their vehicles in various driving conditions. This issue means the affected vehicles do not comply with federal safety standards for electronic stability control systems.
The malfunction could result in the ABS, ESC, Adaptive Cruise Control, and Forward Collision Warning indicator lights illuminating when the vehicle starts up, indicating that these systems are malfunctioning. While the foundational braking system would still operate, losing electronic stability control significantly raises the risk of a crash, particularly in adverse driving conditions.
Despite the potential danger, Stellantis has stated that it is unaware of any injuries or accidents related to this software defect. The company has assured vehicle owners that dealerships will update the ABS software at no cost. To resolve the issue, dealers will freely update the ABS control module software. Recall notification letters are expected to be mailed to owners starting October 3.
Additional recalls for Jeep models
In addition to the Ram 1500 trucks, Stellantis recalls approximately 33,000 Jeep Gladiator models from the 2020-2024 model years and Jeep Wrangler vehicles from 2018-2024. The recall for these Jeep models is due to a separate issue involving a potential internal short circuit within the instrument panel cluster, which could lead to a malfunction.
The internal short circuit in the instrument panel cluster may cause the display to fail, affecting the driver’s ability to see important information such as speed, fuel levels, and warning lights. Like the Ram recall, Stellantis is unaware of any crashes or injuries caused by this issue and will provide free repairs at authorized dealerships.
Stellantis’ response and safety measures
Stellantis has emphasized their commitment to vehicle safety and customer satisfaction, citing a rigorous review process that identified these software and electrical issues. The company has pledged to address the defects promptly and ensure all necessary updates are completed to comply with federal safety standards.
The recalls follow Stellantis's similar action in June, which involved nearly 158,000 Ram 2500 pickups due to an unrelated issue. This latest recall highlights automakers' ongoing challenges in managing complex vehicle software and electronics, especially as modern vehicles rely increasingly on advanced digital systems.
Stellantis’ action in initiating the recall and providing free software updates reflects the company’s proactive approach to addressing potential safety risks. However, the recall serves as a reminder of the critical importance of maintaining stringent quality controls, particularly as vehicle technologies evolve.
Owners of the affected vehicles are encouraged to monitor their mail for official recall notices and schedule appointments with their local dealerships to complete the necessary repairs. For more information, Stellantis has advised customers to contact their customer service line at 1-800-853-1403 or visit their official website for detailed instructions on the recall process.
The recall impacts many vehicles globally, and while no incidents have been reported, Stellantis’ measures aim to prevent potential risks and ensure that drivers and passengers remain safe on the roads.